E.—No. 5.

deserted ; but it was evident that the Maoris must have sustained severe loss from the concentrated fire poured into them in the morning. The whares were riddled with shot, blood in profusion both inside and out. Two Maori mats, covered with blood, and a bullet hole through it, was also picked up. They were unmistakeably taken by surprise this morning. Two guns, several tomahawks, other weapons, and a great variety of articles were taken. A quantity of plunder taken from the settlers' houses was recovered on this side of the river, showing that the rebels had been hardly pressed by our skirmishers yesterday evening. A settler, named Crawford, residing near Otau, has lost several head of cattle. It is supposed they have been driven off by the Natives. I have the honor to bring under the notice of the Lieut.-General Commanding the names of Lieut. Russell, 2nd Battalion 18th Royal Irish ; Lieut. Jones, Militia Volunteers ; Ensign Tole, Auckland Rifle Volunteers ; and Mr. McDonnell, Native Interpreter ; who rendered me great assistance. The exemplary conduct and soldier-like bearing of the non-commissioned officers and men of the different detachments who have been with me on these several occasions cannot be too highly commended ; and more especially that of Quartermaster-Sergeant Davis, of the 3rd Battalion Auckland Militia. I have, <_~ William Charles Lyon, Major Commanding, The Military Secretary. Galloway Redoubt. Galloway Redoubt, Wairoa, 17th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to inform you, for the information of the Lieut.-General Commanding, that I inadvertantl}' omitted the names of Lieut. Steele and Ensign Johnson, Wairoa Rifles, from amongst those Officers whom I wished to bring favourably under the notice of the Lieut.-General Commanding. I have, <_~ William C Lyon, Major Commanding, The Military Secretary. Galloway Redoubt.

No. 30. LIEUTENANT-GENEEAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIE GEOEGE GEEY, K.C.B. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 21st September, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to enclose for your Excellency's information, a letter from Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding Troops at Taranaki, giving cover to a report from Captain Russell, of the Regiment under his command. The skill and enterprise with which this Officer prepared his ambuscade, and the coolness and steadiness of all under his command, are deserving of the highest praise. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Enclosures to No. 30. COLONEL WAEEE, C.8., TO THE ASSISTANT MILITAEY SECBETAEY. New Plymouth, N.Z., 16th September, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to transmit, for the favourable consideration of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, the accompanying report from Captain Russell, 57th Regiment, Commanding the detachment at Poutoko. Captain Russell's report describes so simply and accurately what occurred on the morning of the 15th instant, that I feel I have only to add that nothing could exceed the coolness and perseverance with which Captain Russell carried out his plan, and the steadiness with which the Officers, non-commissioned Officers, and Men behaved under circumstances of no ordinary difficulty. The steadiness and good conduct of the non-commissioned Officers and men enabled Captain Russell to way-lay and surprise a considerable body of Natives (nine of whom are known to have

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THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.